A traffic stop in Medway late last month led to two arrests and the seizure of over 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, cash and multiple Maine public benefit cards, according to the East Millinocket Police Department. East Millinocket Police say that on Saturday, April 26, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Medway Road in Medway. Police identified the operator of the vehicle as Jessica Richards, 43, of Stacyville, and a passenger of the vehicle as Peter Tardiff, 39, of Dixmont. According to police, the officer’s observations and roadside investigation led to a search of the vehicle and both occupants. As a result of the search, more than 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl, pills and a large amount of cash were found. Police say they also located multiple Maine Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards which did not belong to either of the vehicle occupants.

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Jessica Richards was arrested and charged with unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, unlawful possession of scheduled drugs, misuse of a public benefits instrument, operating after suspension and criminal forfeiture. Under state law, a person is guilty of misuse of a public benefits instrument if the person knowingly transfers a public benefits instrument — such as an EBT card — without authorization of the agency issuing the instrument, or obtains or possesses a public benefits instrument that was obtained without authorization of the agency issuing the instrument. Peter Tardiff was arrested and charged with aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs, unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, two counts of unlawful possession of scheduled drugs and criminal forfeiture.